Pug Talk: The Future of the Glass Tower?

On April 30, 2013, we attended the Pug Talk at the Art Gallery of Ontario. The topic: The Future of the Glass Tower?

The Pug Talk was moderated by Matthew Blackett, Publisher, Creative Director, and Co-Founder of Spacing Magazine. The panel consisted of Graeme Stewart of ERA Architects, Sam Crignano of Cityzen Development Group, and David Pontarini of Hariri Pontarini Architects.

Stewart, Crignano, and Pontarini each had a unique approach to the topic of the Pug Talk, so instead of discussing the the forum as a whole, we’ve decided to present the main points of each panelist.

Graeme Stewart of ERA Architects

ERA Architects specializes in the maintenance of Toronto’s heritage via the integration of the city’s historical buildings into new high-rise designs. So, Stewart focused strongly on how important it is for the city to move forward combining the glass tower aesthetic with Toronto’s historical buildings.

Stewart also mentioned the idea of “Fashion vs. Resiliency.” Using examples of high-rises from the mid-20th century, he showed how the building designs went from symbols of the future to symbols of a bleak past. Those buildings were fashionable at the time, but they weren’t resilient. So, when discussing the future of the glass tower, Stewart believes that we need to make sure that we’re designing buildings that are symbols of the future, but still have a timeless appeal.

Sam Crignano of Cityzen Development Group

Crignano started off with an inspiring message: “The future of the glass tower? There is no future without the glass tower.” Being a Founding Partner and President of a company that is responsible for glass towers such as Absolute World and The L tower, it’s not surprising that Crignano is all for building with glass.

Technology, technology, technology were Crignano’s main arguments for the future of the glass tower. He stated that Europe is on the forefront of glass technologies, and glass manufacturers in China are already making it more affordable to use curtain wall systems instead of window wall. If a tower is built with a curtain wall system, it means that the exterior is nonstructural; this in turn gives architects more freedom with their designs. The north facade of The L Tower is a perfect example of a curtain wall - that curve at the top wouldn’t be possible without a curtain wall system.

Crignano also touched on the inefficiency of glass from a sustainability and energy standpoint. He knows that glass isn’t the most efficient way to live, but he also pointed out that the most efficient way to live is underground with no windows at all - and no one wants that. Again, this is where technological advances come in; Crignano stated that he is always looking for the next best thing to improve the energy efficiency in Cityzen’s projects.

David Pontarini of Hariri Pontarini Architects

Pontarini made a very important point regarding the use of glass, which Crignano also made, that had to do with unit size. Everyone knows that condo units have started getting smaller in Toronto’s downtown core, and there is no sign of them getting bigger anytime soon. Imagine yourself in a 500 or 600 square foot condo; if you have three walls with absolutely no natural light penetration, then you’re going to want that fourth wall to be floor-to-ceiling windows! It’s the best way to brighten up a room and make it seem more spacious.

Another point that Pontarini and Crignano agreed on was the use of curtain walls. Pontarini believes that in order to keep building taller, a curtain wall system is necessary, and his firm is planning on implementing this sort of system at their 1 Yonge project.

Pontarini made an interesting point about how energy performance guidelines need to be put in place in order for the city to continue building with glass. Since sustainability is such a hot topic, it’s only a matter of time before stricter guidelines/regulations are implemented. This may result in expensive treatments, like triple pane glazing, which is energy efficient, but also affects affordability - an existing issue in Toronto. This is an obstacle that everyone in the industry will have to navigate, and it won’t be easy.

What we have presented is merely an overview of what was discussed, as well as what the future holds for the glass tower in Toronto. We would like to thank all the panelists and the fine folks at the Pug Awards for having us out. Stay tuned for more coverage on the Pug Awards, and cast your votes today!